Numeracy, your children and what you can do

Numeracy in Australia has developed over the years to cover more than just numbers and mathematical skills. Linda Drummond examines what it means to be numerate, and what parents can do to help their children.

Table of Content

What is numeracy?

In 1959, the term numeracy was coined by a committee on education in the UK, which said that numeracy should represent the mirror image of literacy. Just like literacy, the term numeracy has broadened to include more than just numbers and measurements. It’s now defined as [1]:

being at ease with all aspects of mathematics that enable a person to cope with the demands of everyday life

being able to understand information presented in mathematical terms.

Numeracy is described as using mathematics to achieve some purpose, in a particular context. In everyday life, numeracy means the ability to do a job, perform simple calculations or appreciate number relationships [2].

Why is numeracy important?

Numeracy is more than just being able to add and subtract. Adequate numeracy levels equip students for life outside of school, enabling them to function more effectively in their daily lives. There are a range of activities where mathematics are required for the most basic of activities [3].

We need numeracy for a range of activities in daily life. These include [4]:

problem-solving

making sense of time

reading a map

reading a bill

playing sport

developing logical thinking and reasoning strategies.

There are also broader applications that require a deeper level of thinking. These include [5]:

Numeracy in schools

While mathematics is the focus of numeracy in the classroom, there are skills that need to be spread across the curriculum to increase a deeper level of numerical understanding. In order to do this, teachers need to [6]:

identify any specific numeracy demands of their teaching area

provide opportunities and experiences to support children’s general mathematical knowledge and skills

use language of numeracy as appropriate in their teaching.

The Smarter Schools program was focused on improving the literacy and numeracy of Australian schoolchildren. Under this program [7], an analysis of NAPLAN data from 2008 to 2011 showed that 80 percent of participating schools achieved above the national minimum standard in Year 5 numeracy and 40 percent achieved above the national minimum in Year 3 numeracy. The Smarter Schools program concluded in 2013. The National Curriculum is currently under review by the Federal Government with expectations of a new direction in mid-2014.

More maths-related games on Kidspot:

Why a lack of numeracy is a problem

A lack of numeracy can cause problems – not only at school, but upon graduation. Experts suggest that poor literacy and numeracy skills in up to half of Australia’s workforce are not only holding individuals back, but are causing deeper problems for business. With approximately 7.9 million Australian adults having below-minimum numeracy standards, it’s a serious issue for many who may have trouble holding down a job [9]. Low levels of numeracy are not just a problem for the individuals affected – it can also have an impact on our nation. With at least 55 percent of Australian adults having sub-par levels of numeracy, Australia is at a very real risk of having insufficient workers equipped to deal with a technology-rich environment [10].

How parents can support teachers

There are a wide range of parent materials that can be used to help support teachers who are helping children learn about numeracy. A multi-faceted approach is needed to ensure that children develop the skills they need to become high-functioning adults [11]. Parents or carers can help enhance the social and educational outcome for their child by playing an active role in supporting their child, helping them learn at home and by communicating with teachers. Volunteering at school is another valuable way to assist [12].

Family support is a powerful way to help the development of a child’s learning. Simply turning everyday play and activities into learning opportunities can demystify and simplify numeracy and help increase a child’s confidence and knowledge [13]. By expanding numeracy learning into the home, parents can help their children develop greater numeracy skills that they can build on over the years. Through games, activities and simple events, parents can help enhance their child’s numeracy skills by supporting what they’re learning in the classroom [14]. Even simple acts such as showing an interest in what children do, or being involved in your child’s school committees, can help a child’s success at school [15].

Hiring a tutor at the first sign of struggle can boost a child’s numeracy skills. Early intervention with children is recommended as it can help boost skills and reduce maths anxiety [16].